beta-Hydroxy beta-methylbutyric acid
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Beta-Hydroxy beta-methylbutyric acid[1] | |
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| IUPAC name |
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| Other names | β-Hydroxyisovaleric acid |
| Abbreviations | HMB |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS number | [] |
| PubChem | |
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| Properties | |
| Molecular formula | C5H10O3 |
| Molar mass | 118.131 g/mol |
| Density | 0.938 g/mL |
| Melting point |
−80 °C, 193 K, -112 °F |
| Boiling point |
88 °C at 1 mmHg |
| Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) Infobox references |
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beta-Hydroxy beta-methylbutyric acid (HMB), or beta-hydroxy beta-methylbutyrate, is a metabolite of the essential amino acid leucine and is synthesized in the human body. It plays a part in protein synthesis and was discovered by Dr. Steve Nissen in scientific studies to purportedly increase muscle mass and decrease muscle breakdown. It should be noted however that Nissen held the original patent on the metabolite as a nutritional supplement. It can be found, in small quantities, in grapefruit, alfalfa, and catfish. As a supplement it is usually sold as a calcium salt.[2]
Research published in the Journal of Applied Physiology and other peer-reviewed publications has shown that HMB may have an effect on increasing muscle weight and strength.[3] A review in Nutrition & Metabolism provides an in depth and objective analysis of HMB research. [4] The same study lists as HMBs proposed mechanisms of action the following:
- Increased sarcolemmal integrity via conversion to HMG-CoA reductase
- Enhanced protein synthesis via the mTOR pathway
- Depression of protein degradation through inhibition of the ubiquitin pathway
Three grams of HMB per day may help muscles combat protein breakdown, assist in muscle repair and support increased endurance. Studies suggest its benefits may be greater for the untrained. Also, well-controlled scientific studies have found increases in muscle mass and decreases in body fat in 70 year old men. It has helped patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in hospital intensive care units, muscle wasting associated with HIV or AIDS and with cancer, and trauma victims with severe injuries.[citation needed]
The human body produces about 0.2-0.4 grams per day. Standard doses in research studies have been 1.5 to 3.0 grams per day, usually divided into two doses.
[edit] References
- ^ β-Hydroxyisovaleric acid at Sigma-Aldrich
- ^ HMB at GNC
- ^ Nissen, SL et al. The effect of the leucine metabolite Beta-hydroxy-Beta-methylbutyrate on muscle metabolism during resistance-exercise training. J Appl Physiol 81: 2095-2104,1996
- ^ Wilson GJ, Wilson JM, Manninen AH. (2008). "Effects of beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB) on exercise performance and body composition across varying levels of age, sex, and training experience: A review.". Nutrition & Metabolism 5: 1. doi:. PMID 18173841.
